Now you've eaten your fill, have you? You couldn't possibly eat another bite, you say? Nonsense, say we. Take a turn at the crank.
Sometimes you truly cannot eat another bite. And sometimes a harvest is so large that it's foolish to try. Sometimes, too, preservation is a kind of edible memory, a taste of the season at it's peak, when the fresh fruits are out of season at the market, or pale and watery facsimiles of themselves from foreign greenhouses. In that case, we turn to the time tested methods of preservation; jam and pickling in the water bath canner. Whatever your reason for preserving (besides taste, besides thrift, besides joy) this recipe is summer in a jar, a stonefruit postcard from the heart of July, no matter the season.
Summer is a preservers’ paradise, with new crops swinging into season every week. We aim to keep up with the bounty, but sometimes we need a little extra inspiration, a fresh idea, or a reminder of something we’ve done before, to spur us into the kitchen. Perhaps it is the same with you, dear reader? Look back through old notes, or check out a new book. Come on in to the store, and chat with us about the seasonal possibilities. Look back through old recipes we’ve posted here; Zucchini Chocolate Cake? Fermented Nectarine Chutney? Yes, please!
Another way to fire that culinary spark again is to come to one of our free classes!
This summer we’re teaching at various Farmer’s Market’s across the county. This month, we’ll be celebrating the Berry Bonanza on July 16th at the Scott’s Valley market. Shrubs, fruit leathers, and water-bath canning of berry jam will all be covered. Later in the month, (July 30th) we’ll be there again, this time with sage advice for Taming the Wild Zucchini Monster. Yes, rather than abandon boxes of zucchini on your neighbor’s doorsteps under cover of darkness, we’ll learn ya how to make delicious Zucchini Relish, Fermented Squash Pickles, and dehydrated Zucchini Chips. Come join us!
We will also be joined July 21 by Emily Han, author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails for a Shrub Making Demo and book signing. Learn the art of making Shrubs, get your book signed and taste some sparkling shrub deliciousness.
As always, we leave you with best wishes for the month ahead; may your kitchens smell delicious, and may all your jars seal.